Thanksgiving..

[PiperJean]

I am working toward a healthier, happier me in this raw food lifestyle. However, my family does not see it in this manner. We are all getting together for Thanksgiving.. A holiday I have always looked forward to because of how much I genuinely adore my family, unfortunately, this year - it has me more nervous that it does excited. I know the judgment will span miles and with a change, such as raw food, the lack of support is not helpful.

There will be the standard dinner - turkey, stuffing, green beans, etc. All the desserts.. I don't want to insult anyone and I don't want to hurt any feelings in choosing not to participate, but, I love how raw makes me feel.

Is there anyone who has gone through a similar situation? How did you approach it? What did you do?

[MysticTree]

I would take my own foods. Enough for others to try but enough certainly to keep you on the straight and narrow. Many things just taste fabulous and no-one need ever know they are not cooked. Quite a few websites do the most spectacular desserts and you have Alissa's books to fall back on - if you don't then you can get them easily. My bf and I go every Sunday for lunch with family friends. The woman of the house is in her 70s and her traditional food is very good but she understands that if they are to have my company then I bring my own food. I don't understand the "taking offence" thing. If people care about you then they would want you to be happy about having a meal together rather than sending you into a tailspin of stress. Cheezy kale chips are a must to take with you. It's handy to have raw nibbles but make sure you take enough. Non-raw people will devour them. They will devour most raw things given a chance to try them.

[PiperJean]

I have made a raw foods cheesecake for my family and they loved it. That is a really great idea.
Unfortunately, I am still a newb to this and do not have a dehydrator. Therefore, those delicious Kale chips.. Will not be possible.

I guess the best way to describe the offensive feeling my family receives from my eating choices is that their idea of health is steak, potato and a big glass of milk. Slowly as a young adult I began picking apart that meal plan and straying along my own path - this behavior caused a feeling of "what we bring to the table isn't good enough for you?" followed by a "fine" - If that makes sense.
I wish I could describe it more eloquently. Let's just say - support is minimal, if at all existent for healthier eating.

[MysticTree]

Just don't go then. It's not compulsory to be made miserable by your family. Choose another way to celebrate. It sounds as though they are bullying you. Don't buy into that.

[Dirkg]

If your family doesn't support you, don't let that make you feel you are responsible. This extends to other areas besides food as well. I'm a vegetarian and used to feel guilty when going out with friends because sometimes it limits the choice of places, but then I realized I don't need to be sorry for my choices.

[MysticTree]

Over here we can buy kale chips both mail order and in various health food shops so maybe you could do that - they aren't cheap though but it is a special occasion.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Whole Foods sells a good variety of kale chips.

Here's what I do when faced with a similar situation.

I bring my food to the dinner and I bring enough to share in case anyone wants any of what I'm eating. I don't make excuses or feel deprived. I enjoy the gorgeous conversation and company of those I love and I don't stress about the food. When I don't stress they tend to relax more. If I'm apologenic then they become more confrontational. So I just don't buy into that. If anyone says anything to me about what I'm choosing to do (I fast through these events usually so that's even more "odd") I just tell them that how they choose to treat their body is their business and how I choose to treat mine is mine. And then I politely walk away and talk to someone else. LOL

I really do make it that easy. I have a very relaxed carefree attitude which ends up gushing over everyone else. (((hugs)))

[Gianni]

Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram posted a video on youtube concerning this subject. She offers the idea of making a huge salad that can be shared with the whole family.

[PiperJean]

You guys are all so wonderful! Thank you for the support!
I will definitely look into purchasing the Kale chips and making this delicious raw salad!!

I really appreciate your points Aleesha.

Thank you all again! :)